Stored program pay-per-play

Abstract

A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. The program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.

Having described the invention, I claim:  
     
       1. A musical selection pay-per-play system, comprising: 
       an input for receiving musical selections to be played at a subscriber's location, including selections automatically provided to the subscriber in accordance with categorical criteria, the playing of a selection having associated therewith a payment to a provider;  
       a memory for locally storing one or more such musical selections; and  
       means for ensuring payment to the provider after the selection has been identified for playing.  
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the payment is due only after the selection has been played substantially in its entirety. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , further including: 
       means for providing a list at the subscriber's location of currently available musical selections; and  
       means for identifying selections from the list to be stored for replay at a future time.  
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for ensuring payment to the provider includes the transfer of information to the provider after the music has been selected for playing. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for ensuring payment to the provider includes a transfer of funds prior to the playing of a particular musicial selection. 
     
     
       6. A method of compensating a music provider, comprising the steps of: 
       receiving, at a subscriber's location, a piece of music in electronic form from a provider;  
       locally storing the music along with information relating thereto;  
       selecting the music to be played; and  
       compensating the provider only after the program has been selected or played at the subscriber's location.